Interactive lesson
Speed vs Velocity Distinction simulation
Use the simulation controls to pause, reset, zoom, and explore.
What you can explore
Learning Outcomes & Exploration Key Concepts Demonstrated:
Distance is Additive: Notice that the "Cumulative Distance" line graph never goes down. Every step you take adds to your total distance, regardless of direction. Displacement is Positional: The "Displacement" line maps exactly to where the object is on the track relative to the zero mark. It can go down into negative numbers. Instantaneous vs. Average: Your instantaneous speed is just how fast you are moving at that exact second. Your average velocity is your total displacement divided by total time.
